In recent years the price of college tuition has raised concern among prospective college students. In the past decade and a half, the prices of in-state and out-of-state colleges have increased by 34 percent, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).

Multiple schools in Virginia have adopted programs to help students pay for college.  For example, most schools provide financial aid and scholarship priority for students who apply early.

Not long ago, the collective value of student debt had surpassed credit card debt, which was America’s economic crisis in the mid-2000’s.

According to The Institute for College Access and Success (ICAS) Americans now owe more than 1.4 trillion dollars in student debt, which is almost as much as auto debt and credit debt combined.

However, some students have found unique ways to pursue admissions in schools outside Virginia.

“I’m applying to Georgia Tech and other in-state schools with the post 9/11 GI Bill that my dad got after serving,” says Senior Josh Callsen.

Currently, out-of-state tuition and fees, for GATech, is roughly $41,000 a year. Callsen’s father served as an Officer in the Air Force for 22 years. After his service he earned his post 9/11 GI Bill that was transferred to his son, Josh.

However, the government will only pay for so much.

“It depends on if I use all of the money. The bill only gives me free tuition in-state, so we will have to pay for the remainder of the out-of-state tuition,” says Callsen.

Despite Callsen’s favorable circumstances, others are not so fortunate.

“My circumstances make it hard for me to consider any schools outside of Virginia,” Senior Jack Burke says.

Burke has been limited to only in-state schools due to the sheer price of out-of-state college costs. Though Burke does not have the capital to attend an out-of-state school, he is thankful for which options he has in Virginia.

“Being limited to just in state schools isn’t that bad. Virginia has a pretty good collection of public universities,” said Burke.